Thanks to TACT Architecture's use of passive design strategies, no air conditioning is necessary to keep the home cool in summer months

Using a restrained material palette that includes wood, stone, concrete and white walls, TACT Architecture was able to make the outdoors a crucial element of their overall design. The northern entrance features minimal glazing while the southern side of the home completely opens up to the outdoors. Overhangs shade large windows, permitting natural light without undue solar gain.

Both the north and south-facing windows are operable, ensuring natural ventilation and making air-conditioning unnecessary. Radiant floor heating powered by a high efficiency boiler supplemented by a heat recovery ventilation system keeps the home warm in winter, while superior wall and roof insulation mitigates thermal loss. Completed in 2010, this beautiful home has a relatively large footprint of 3,600 square feet, yet manages to insinuate itself into the landscape without much affront.